On that day, Sean demonstrated his empty-handed white wolf method.
I contacted three real estate brokerage firms in Newark, each specializing in large commercial properties. As soon as I expressed my interest in renting a spacious shop of at least 1,000 square meters, the brokers from all three companies promptly arrived.
We met at Red Camilla's bar, where only Sean, Saul, and Bill were present to ensure Sean's protection.
The brokers brought extensive information about the local real estate market. Given the high percentage of Black residents, it was evident that Newark's economy lagged behind nearby Jersey City, resulting in numerous properties available for rent.
After reviewing options, Sean was particularly interested in a four-story building in the city center, spanning about 3,000 square meters—an ideal space for a large fitness club.
Upon visiting the site, Sean decided to proceed. The agent seemed thrilled and mentioned, "Mr. Sean, this place is quite popular. There are other interested parties currently negotiating."
"What's the asking price?" Sean inquired with a smile.
"$100,000 for six months. If you pay for a full year upfront, I can offer a discount to $195,000," the agent replied cheerfully.
Sean shook his head. "No, I'll pay what I want."
The agent's smile widened at the prospect of a sale.
Sean then added, "But I need to change the payment terms. I plan to renovate extensively, which will take time. I propose paying one month's rent now and the remaining six months after the renovations."
The agent's face paled. "That's not possible! The owner would prefer to rent to someone else than agree to those terms."
Sean countered, "No one else is interested in this property but me. If you tell me who else is considering it, I might persuade them to withdraw."
The agent, sensing he was in a tough spot, hesitated. "I'm afraid I can't disclose that information; it's against regulations."
Sean, unfazed, slid a stack of cash across the table. "What about this?"
The agent chuckled nervously, "I have professional ethics..."
Sean then revealed a gun, tapping it on the table. "Then how about now?"
"Alright, but I could lose my job!" the agent stammered.
Sean added another wad of cash, and the agent, recognizing the futility of resisting, quickly provided two phone numbers and names.
An hour later, Dart, accompanied by a group of local residents, visited the two interested parties, who promptly withdrew their applications for the property. In Newark, there was no shortage of rental options; they didn't want to risk complications.
Sean then approached the homeowner, saying, "I have the funds right here." Bill opened a bag filled with rolls of cash, dramatically placing it on the table.
The homeowner visibly trembled at the sight, recognizing the illegal undertones of the transaction.
Sean reassured him, "This is legal money, but I only intend to pay one month's rent upfront."
With the promise of guaranteed payment, the homeowner readily agreed to sign the lease contract prepared by Saul.
In just one morning, Sean secured a five-year lease for the 3,000-square-meter property. Saul quickly registered a company named 'Sean Fitness,' and Sean took the lease to a previously contacted renovation company.
The gym's decor wasn't complicated, leveraging established templates for efficiency. With the lease in hand, an agreement with the renovation company was swiftly reached.
On October 14th, Sean finalized the lease and decor arrangements, with Saul efficiently handling the company registration by the 15th.
On October 16th, Sean visited a local bank in Newark with the necessary contracts. With the five-year lease and renovation plans, securing a small loan was straightforward. The loan process was completed the same day, and by the 17th, Sean had $100,000 deposited into his account.
Instead of rushing to purchase gym equipment, Sean sought out Lamb Wiley from the New York branch of PricewaterhouseCoopers, which had not yet merged with Waterhouse Coopers at that time.
PricewaterhouseCoopers offered a wide range of services beyond basic accounting, including corporate consulting, risk management, and business evaluations.
After reviewing Sean's plans for 'Sean Fitness,' Lamb raised an eyebrow. "You're claiming this will be Newark's largest and most advanced health club, and you expect to attract a large customer base?"
Sean confidently stated, "During the one-month renovation, we'll recruit and begin pre-sale activities. By the time we open, we'll have a substantial number of members ready to sign up."
Lamb frowned slightly, skeptical of Sean's bold predictions. "Are you sure your gym will draw in customers? Such confidence is rare."
Sean replied, "Once we recover costs in the first month, we'll expand to Jersey City. Within six months, Sean Fitness will be the largest chain gym in New Jersey."
Lamb raised an eyebrow, still unsure. "That's quite an ambitious claim, especially for a new gym in Newark. What makes you so confident?"
Sean leaned in, his voice steady. "Market research shows a growing demand for fitness facilities in this area. Many residents are looking for quality options that aren't currently available. Plus, we're going to implement an aggressive marketing strategy."
Lamb considered this. "And what about competition? There are already established gyms in both Newark and Jersey City."
"True," Sean acknowledged. "But our focus will be on community engagement and premium services. We'll offer specialized classes, personal training, and a strong sense of community. People are looking for more than just a place to work out; they want an experience."
Lamb nodded, beginning to see the potential. "If you can pull off your plans, you might just make a significant impact. But execution will be key."
Sean smiled, feeling the shift in the conversation. "Exactly. That's why I'm here to build partnerships and secure the right resources from the start."
Lamb paused, then asked, "What's your timeline for opening?"
"We aim to complete renovations within a month and officially open by mid-November," Sean replied. "That gives us time to prepare marketing materials and finalize staffing."
"Alright," Lamb said, adjusting his tone to a more business-like demeanor. "I'll help you prepare a comprehensive business plan and financial strategy. If we can nail down the details, we might attract some investors or additional loans to support your expansion."
"That would be fantastic," Sean replied, grateful for the support. "I want this to be a success not just for me, but for the community as well."
Over the next few weeks, Sean and Lamb worked closely together, refining the business plan, identifying potential investors, and crafting a marketing strategy. Sean was determined to make Sean Fitness a staple in Newark, and with Lamb's expertise, he felt more confident about the future.
As the renovation began, Sean frequently visited the site, overseeing the progress and ensuring everything aligned with his vision. He engaged with the contractors, discussing layout and design, making sure the space would be welcoming and functional.
On November 1st, the gym was nearly ready. Sean organized a soft launch, inviting local influencers and fitness enthusiasts to preview the facility. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and the buzz around Sean Fitness began to build.
With the opening day approaching, Sean ramped up marketing efforts. They utilized social media, local advertisements, and community events to promote the gym. He offered free trial memberships for the first month, encouraging people to experience the club firsthand.
Finally, on November 15th, the grand opening arrived. The gym was bustling with excitement as the community turned out to see what Sean Fitness had to offer. Classes filled up quickly, and memberships began pouring in.
As the days turned into weeks, Sean watched his vision come to life. He was dedicated to maintaining the club's quality and ensuring each member felt valued. With the foundation laid, he set his sights on the next phase: expanding into Jersey City as planned.
With Lamb's support and the success of Sean Fitness, Sean felt confident that he was on the path to creating a thriving fitness community that would leave a lasting impact in New Jersey.